How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a challenge. Some people feel relief knowing that they have finally come to terms with their difficulties and others feel grief because they missed out on opportunities due to symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD based on the person's mood, past and current mental and medical conditions, as well as their childhood behaviour and school experiences. The assessment includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort or focus on detail. These problems are usually caused by other underlying issues like depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to getting control of symptoms that cause havoc in personal and professional life.
Symptoms of ADHD typically appear in childhood and continue into adulthood. In order for a person to be granted a diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their daily life in more than one area (home school, work and home) and cause significant impairment. To be able to meet these requirements, symptoms must have lasted for at least six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
The health care provider will also review the patient's mental and medical history. The doctor will speak to the patient and, if possible, their family members, in order to gain a perspective on the behavior of children. The health care professional will also meet with the patient's teachers and review their current work and home environment.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In general, in order to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, a person must exhibit at least six inattention-related symptoms that are serious enough to hinder their life functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional is usually able to identify a person suffering from ADHD through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This will include an extensive interview with the individual as well as their family and any caregivers or teachers, as well as taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health professional will also go over the person's psychiatric, medical and family history and may refer the patient for a physical examination to rule out any other reasons for their symptoms. They will look at the person's sleep patterns, diet, and work and home environments to determine if stressors may be causing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD it is essential to visit a health care specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll want to know how often you experience difficulties finishing tasks or losing items or forget where you have put your keys, and whether these problems cause stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also review the medical history and physical examination. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions that may cause the symptoms associated with ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression anxiety, thyroid issues or depression.
It's likely your healthcare professional will ask family members as well as other caregivers regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different settings such as at school, work or with scout or religious leaders. Your doctor might also request you to complete an assessment or self-test to evaluate your symptoms. They are available online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face appointment with your doctor.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is based on a lower threshold of symptoms than children -- five out of nine signs over a six-month period. You'll also have to make a significant impact on your work, school and home life.
If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend neuropsychological or psychological testing to determine if you have the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD. These tests usually look at the way your brain functions and can help determine if you suffer from co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may result in a range of complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she found a clear explanation for her issues. Consult adhd diagnosis uk or a local support group to refer you to a medical professional who performs ADHD assessments for adults. You can also call your insurance company to find out which doctors are included.
Treatment
Medication is often the first option for a lot of patients suffering from ADHD. Drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate increase or balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and behavior. They can help those who have ADHD focus and stay organized. They can also manage their impulses and make more rational decisions improve communication, and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants that work more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for patients with ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a particular person can change over time, so it is crucial to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional who conducts the assessment.
A health care specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This may include an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires, and a review of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders, as well as other physical ailments. A referral to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
The test will likely take some time, particularly when the patient is an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which means that the person should bring copies of performance evaluations from their school or job and other documents like old report cards. The healthcare professional may request permission to speak with close family members or friends to gain more information about the individual's past behaviors and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. People typically experience a variety of emotions, from relief to finally have an explanation for their struggles, to sadness at the loss of opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed, she was able to start making changes in her life and move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is a crucial step for many people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many ways to locate a specialist in your area. Ask your regular doctor to refer you to. He or she may have a list of specialists who are acquainted with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also try looking online. There are a variety of websites that provide directories of doctors that include details about their areas of expertise and specialization. Asking friends or family for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or ADHD support group to get recommendations.
When you see an experienced therapist in treating ADHD, it is important to be as transparent as possible. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life and the impact they have on other people. It's important to talk about your past and present medical history. This will help the counselor rule out any other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, for example depression or anxiety.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and utilize standard scales to assess the severity of the symptoms. The therapist might also seek input from other caregivers like teachers or religious or scout leaders to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior in different settings.
Adults with ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their issues, and they might be reluctant to discuss them. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults who have ADHD can help them overcome these obstacles.
It is important to know that having a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapist will prescribe medications. While some individuals who suffer from ADHD do need to take medication, there are a number of treatment options that are efficient, such as treatment for behavioral issues. These methods of treatment can be used in conjunction with medication, or used as an alternative treatment.